Russian forces regrouping: Estonia's Intelligence evaluates potential for new offensive by occupiers
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia has started regrouping its forces. This could mean that in the coming weeks, there might be even more intensive advances by the occupiers in Ukraine, says Ants Kiviselg, the commander of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment.
"The situation in Ukraine is escalating. The overall intensity of fighting has increased by about a quarter compared to the previous week. Russia is trying to regain initiative across all fronts, yet there haven't been significant changes in the front lines," says Kiviselg.
The colonel reports that the main focus of the Russian advance, as before, is directed towards the Avdiivka area, where the most intense battles have been taking place.
The Estonian intelligence chief mentions that Russia has altered its offensive tactics, shifting from direct infantry attacks to long-distance strikes. This significantly complicated the repositioning of Ukrainian units and the creation and improvement of defensive positions.
Russia might be preparing for further offensives
"The increase in the use of fire from concealed positions is noticeable in other parts of the front as well. Russia is exerting pressure in the Bakhmut and Maryinka directions. On the northern side of Bakhmut and the southern direction of Maryinka, the Russian Federation has also achieved minor successes," Kiviselg adds.
The head of military intelligence also notes that Russia has started repositioning its armed forces, suggesting that in the coming weeks, there might be even more intense offensives in Ukraine.
The colonel highlights that in fierce battles throughout this week, Russian units suffered around 10,000 casualties, according to various estimates, a significant number.
Estonia's assessment of Ukraine's defense
Speaking about the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), Colonel Kiviselg states that Ukraine's defense remains unbroken.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to hold two footholds on the Dnipro River, both in populated areas such as Kryntsi and in Poimy. This, in turn, forced Russia to deploy additional troops in this direction," he says.
According to him, the low or insufficient cohesion among Russian forces led to significant losses for them in new combat areas. This means that units not accustomed to training together are unfamiliar with the combat area, encountering minefields, and suffering losses as a result.
Frontline situation
Today, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has reported that defense forces continue to hold positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, repelling occupant attacks across the confrontation line, and the situation remains challenging.
Russia's losses in the war against Ukraine have surpassed 337,000 soldiers. In the last day alone, the UAF destroyed 990 Russian soldiers.
